Administration of Justice

The Administration of Justice program examines the structure, function, laws, procedures, and decision-making processes of agencies that deal with crime management. Administration of justice courses provide the theoretical background and practical experience necessary for employment and promotion in the criminal justice system and related fields, such as community responders and volunteers. The associate degree for transfer in administration of justice prepares students for upper division studies at four-year institutions. Students may also earn an associate in science degree and/or certificate of achievement in criminal justice or correctional science. Some courses in administration of justice satisfy general education requirements for an associate degree.

Demonstrate an ability to write clearly and accurately about the administration of justice process using appropriate vocabulary.

Demonstrate critical and analytical thinking about issues in the administration of justice system.

Demonstrate an ability to evaluate emerging case law and landmark decisions of the courts.

Demonstrate a comprehension and appreciation of the connections, contributions, experiences, and potential conflicts of various ethnicities, races, and genders as they interact with the criminal justice components.

Demonstrate an awareness of sciences and emerging technologies as it impacts the administration of justice components.

Demonstrate an understanding of the administration of justice system and how the student as an individual understands career opportunities in the field as well as individual/community rights and responsibilities.

Demonstrate an awareness of crime causation, roles of the components of the administration of justice system, and social and economic impact of crime on society.

This course introduces students to the characteristics of the criminal justice system in the United States. Focus is placed on examining crime measurement, theoretical explanations of crime, responses to crime, components of the system, and current challenges to the system. The course examines the evolution of the principles and approaches utilized by the justice system and the evolving forces which have shaped these principles and approaches. Although justice structure and process is examined in a cross cultural context, emphasis is placed on the U.S. justice system, particularly the structure and function of U.S. police, courts, and corrections. Students are introduced to the origins and development of criminal law, legal process, and sentencing and incarceration policies.

The philosophy and historical development of law, including the provisions of the U.S. Constitution. The concepts and definitions necessary to relate court decisions to statutes including those specific to correctional institutions.

Fundamentals of investigation and the techniques of crime scene recording and search. The collection and preservation of physical evidence, modus operandi processes, sources of information, interview and interrogation, follow-up, and case preparation.

This course is a study of the responsibility, techniques, and methods of police patrol. This includes the areas of patrol distribution, selective enforcement, pull-over and approach methods, emergency pursuit driving, search of suspects and buildings, field interrogations, and procedures in handling "police-called-for" services.

This course is an examination of the origin, development, and organization of the Juvenile Justice System as it evolved in the American Justice System. The course explores the theories that focus on Juvenile Law, courts and processes, and the constitutional protections extended to juveniles administered in the American Justice System.

This course examines the complex, dynamic relationship between communities and the justice system in addressing crime and conflict with an emphasis on the challenges and prospects of administering justice within a diverse multicultural population. Topics may include the consensus and conflicting values in culture, religion, and law.

Techniques for communicating facts, information, and ideas effectively in a simple, clear, and logical manner in various types of criminal justice reports: letters, memoranda, directives, and administrative reports. Emphasis is on criminal justice terminology, use of English, and organization of information. Students will practice note taking and report writing as well as presentation of testimony in court.

This course provides a history and critical analysis of punishment, the various types of punishment, alternatives to punishment, and the impact of punishment on the Criminal Justice System, corrections, a critical examination of the types of correctional institutions and the clients housed in each institution, and an examination of contemporary correctional issues.

Supervision of inmates in the local, state, and federal correctional institutions. Emphasis on the role of the offender and the correctional worker on a continuum from institutional living through crisis situations. Included are inmate subculture, violence and effects of crowding along with coping techniques for correctional officers. Causes and effects of abusive tactics.

The techniques in counseling and interviewing available to practitioners in corrections. The student will learn the use of appropriate techniques and theories in confidence building which may be used by the correctional employee in client interviews and counseling.

The historical legal framework, concepts, and precedents that guide correctional practice. Course material will broaden the individual's perspective of the corrections environment, the civil rights of prisoners, and responsibilities and liabilities of corrections officials. 54 lecture hours

This course provides an introduction to the role of forensics in criminal investigations. It examines the methods utilized in the forensic analysis of crime scenes, pattern evidence, instruments, firearms, questioned documents and controlled substances.

AJ 698CCooperative Education3 Units (AA/AS)180 lab hours arranged

Grade Mode: Pass/No Pass, Standard Letter

The student must be simultaneously enrolled in a class that relates to the Cooperative Education class. A course designed to assist students in planning and accomplishing meaningful learning objectives related to Administration of Justice at their place of volunteer employment or training sites.